AMES, Iowa -- Clint Recker was happy to recite the final results for
"PestiCYde":

Let's see, he said, Iowa State University's 1/4 scale pulling tractor finished
first in serviceability. Second in written design. Second in safety. Third
in maneuverability. Fourth in manufacturability. Sixth in pulling. That
added up to third overall.

Well, said Recker, a senior from Arlington who's studying agricultural
engineering and is the president of the Cyclone Power Pullers, the team's tractor had a lot
strengths, but it didn't do so well in the sound tests. It, after all,
carries five V-2 engines and 80 horsepower. So it is a little loud.

But that's about the only criticism Recker had for the team's tractor
after Iowa State's third place finish in the society's annual competition.
This year's contest attracted 26 teams. The team from Kansas State
University won and second place went to the University of Laval from Quebec
City in Canada.

"We are very pleased with how things have gone," Recker said. "A lot of
people have worked really hard. And a big thanks to all of our
sponsors."

Recker said the team's highest ever finish was second place in 1998. Last
year, the team finished 18th.

"This is a huge jump for us," he said.

And so Recker thinks the team has a good tractor and some momentum. Both
could lead to even better finishes next year.

"To get to the first or second spots, you need to work on the little
things," he said. "You need polish to get to the No. 1 spot that we
want."

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Quick look

The Cyclone Power Pullers returned from the 2008 1/4 Scale Tractor Student
Design Competition with a third-place finish, the team's best finish since
1998. This year's tractor, nicknamed "PestiCYde," featured five engines and
80 horsepower. The annual contest is sponsored by the American Society of
Agricultural and Biological Engineers.

Quote

"To get to the first or second spots, you need to work on the little
things. You need polish to get to the No. 1 spot that we want."

Clint Recker, a senior from Arlington who's studying agricultural
engineering and is the president of the Cyclone Power Pullers